(HealthDay News) -- A sore throat can be caused by many factors, including allergies, tonsillitis or the common cold.

Try following these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians on how to help a sore throat:

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen.
• Gargle a few times daily with a warm salt water solution, created with one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water.
• Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges throughout the day to keep the throat moist.
• Eat a frozen dessert, such as a popsicle or ice cream, to soothe the throat.
• In the less humid months of winter, keep a humidifier going in the bedroom while you sleep, and in other rooms you frequent during the day.
• Drink plenty of fluids.